Ablation Jet Engine
Description
The Ablation Jet Engine developed by Yuzhnoye SDO is a pulsed plasma thruster-type propulsion system intended for changing and maintaining nanosatellite relative orbital position during active lifetime, including nanosatellite stabilization in formation flying scenarios. Using fluoroplastic (PTFE) as its working medium which is ablated by high-energy electrical pulses, the engine produces 0.1 mN of thrust with an exceptionally high specific impulse of 20,000 m/s and a total impulse of 200 N·s. Maximum power consumption is 20 W. The engine is extremely compact at 90x21x32 mm, with the control unit at 100x100x30 mm. Key advantages include very compact dimensions, low power consumption, very high specific impulse, no pressurized propellant gases required, long service life, and minimal after-action pulse that avoids disturbing spacecraft pointing.
Specifications
| Working medium | Fluoroplastic (PTFE) |
|---|---|
| Thrust | 0.1 mN |
| Specific impulse | 20,000 m/s |
| Total impulse | 200 N*s |
| Maximum power | 20 W |
| Engine dimensions | 90 x 21 x 32 mm |
| Control unit dimensions | 100 x 100 x 30 mm |
| Propellant handling | No pressurized gases required |